Council row could stop Stockport County sponsorship deal

A political row could scupper a town hall bid to give Stockport County £40,000 to help its ailing finances. The ruling Liberal Democrat group wants to sponsor the club for next season, despite saying a similar £80,000 deal last year was a one-off.

A political row could scupper a town hall bid to give Stockport County £40,000 to help its ailing finances.

The ruling Liberal Democrat group wants to sponsor the club for next season, despite saying a similar £80,000 deal last year was a one-off.

But the other parties on the council say at a time of drastic cuts the money should be spent elsewhere. And because the Lib Dems no longer have overall control of Stockport council, they need the support of at least one other party.

Lib¿Dem leader Dave Goddard said the row proved his political opponents ‘lacked civic pride’. But Labour group leader Andy Verdeille said the council was failing to protect jobs and services.

Coun Verdeille said: “We are sympathetic to County and their difficulties, but we can’t agree to giving the money. Stockport council has already made 280 people redundant and more will be following. The council should be saving jobs and services. When there are lollypop ladies, school budgets and health services being cut in my ward I can’t agree to this.”

County’s chief executive declined to comment.

Sid Lloyd, leader of the Conservative group, said: “I think all groups agree we have a very difficult situation in Stockport with cuts to services. As much as we support and love County, we think the money has to be spent elsewhere.”

County will play in the Conference next season after losing their Football League place in May. The club has suffered severe financial problems in recent years – going into administration before being bought by the 2015 Group in June 2010.

Coun Goddard added: “County are out of the Football League and this is now the worst time in its history. I know we said this last year, but now they are looking for all the support they can get.

“Stockport County is more than a football club – it is part of the town’s fabric.”